Mikel Merino is already a crowd favourite at Newcastle United but could be set for a lengthy absence.
Merino has missed Newcastle’s last two matches – both of which the Magpies lost 1-0 to Burnley and Bournemouth respectively – and has withdrawn from Spain’s Under-21 squad over the international break.
Manager Rafael Benitez has attempted to play down the seriousness of Merino’s injury, telling the Shields Gazette that the 21-year-old is “getting better” and may be back in a couple of weeks.
However, the rumours from Spain have got Newcastle supporters on Twitter panicked that they could potentially be without their star summer signing from Borussia Dortmund until the New Year.
Merino has quickly become a crowd favourite at St James’ Park thanks to a combination of his cultured technique and his industrious midfield work which makes him perfectly suited to the Premier League.
He has already established himself as key to Newcastle’s fortunes. The Magpies have won 50% of the games that he has started and only one of the six he hasn’t – when Merino himself scored the winner of the bench.
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